Here's why Apple will now pay royalties to artists during Apple Music free trial

by
Jay Jay6/22/2015 8:47:52 AM

6/22/2015 8:47:52 AM

Ever since Apple decided not to pay royalties to music artists during the three-month trial period of Apple Music, the industry has been up in arms in a show of protest which has lately turned into a crescendo.

However, a scathing attack by Taylor Swift on Twitter recently forced the Cupertino giant to give in, responding directly to Swift on Twitter to allay the fears.

In a note to Apple addressed 'To Apple, Love Taylor' and making sure everyone got to read it, Taylor Swift expressed how upset she was with Apple's decision not to compensate music artists during the free trial period.

“I’m not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months. I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company,” she wrote.

This isn't the first time that Taylor Swift has raised the cudgel on streaming services who haven't paid artists the money that they deserve. Last year, she removed her albums from Spotify in protest after Spotify offered music streaming for free, a move that has now convinced Apple to take her seriously.

Responding to Swift on Twitter, Eddie Cue, Apple’s senior vice president for internet software and services, wrote, “Apple will always make sure that artist are paid. #AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period. We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.”

Even though Swift hasn't added her new album '1989' for streaming on Apple Music yet, it is believed that Apple's U-turn should be enough convince her to change her mind now.

“I’m not willing to contribute my life’s work to an experiment that I don’t feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists and creators of this music, and I just don’t agree with perpetuating the perception that music has no value and should be free,” she had said.

Apple's decision will also be beneficial for music start-ups and solo artists who are usually struggling to make ends meet. The free trial period should bring in a large customer pool given the free usage as well as curiosity towards Apple's new venture.